With awards show season kicking into high gear with Sunday’s Golden Globes, the next few weeks will showcase the best that Spring/Summer 2012 fashion has in store…tangy tangerines, sassy yellows, high-gloss metallics, and head-turning teals sure to make a peacock jealous.

Assuming this Elie Saab Spring 2012 gown isn’t on your list of must-haves, there is no reason you can’t inject the softer side of spring into your winter work wardrobe as well as the best-dressed celebrity stylist. Think test drive.

The key to a pre-season trend test drive is to start small, both in size and spend. Invest in a few accessories in this spring’s Pantone color palette – a patent belt in Solar Power, a gauzy scarf in Margarita, an oversized watch in Bellflower, bright kicks in Cabaret, a work-to-weekend quilted backpack in Tangerine Tango – each retailing for between $11 and $70 (see below).

Layer pops of spring color into to your current business casual basics. Boost a well-traveled navy or black blazer with a minty scarf. Cinch a grey chunky knit cardigan with a yellow belt. Pump up your darkest jeans with juicy raspberry kicks. Brighten a simple sweater dress with an oversized lilac watch.

Now rock your winter + spring fashion mash-ups at work and gauge how the accessories make you feel. Note when someone comments on how great you look, or exclaims, “Where did you get that bag? It’s fabulous!”

Those are the colors you’ll want to focus on come March when a broader selection of spring and summer fashions start hitting your favorite retailers.

Winter doldrums be damned!

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